Official Correspondence: Between all parties involved in the pour
President Steve Williams, BSCI Construction Company Employees, & Owners Dr. Richard Burt, Professor Bruce Smith & Professor Kramer
Friday, March 16, 2012: President
Williams to Employees
Concrete Students,Please review the following assignment prior to class on Monday.
Professor Williams
BSCI 3450 - Fall 2012 Community Service Project – Part 1
Class: BSCI 3450-Reinforced Concrete Steve Williams
Date Assigned: Monday March 19, 2012
Date Due: Friday March 23, 2012
Preliminary Activities:
We will be constructing a 30’ x 40’ concrete slab. The slab will is to 4 inches thick, and will be constructed on University property. As a part of your pre-construction services, the owner has requested a detailed SketchUp model showing (at a minimum) the following:
a) A basic layout drawing locating the slab in relation to pre-established points on the property
b) A drawing of the slab superimposed on a photograph of the site
c) A detailed drawing of the formwork including exact material sizes and lengths, splice locations, splice details, steel stake locations, keyway details, form elevations, and location and depth of all control joints
d) A drawing showing the exact location of all reinforcing steel within the slab, including an accommodation for 2’ long spices, and specification of tie wire locations
e) A drawing showing the pour sequence, utilizing a concrete truck (drawn to scale) indicating the locations of the truck at various times of the pour
f) A drawing showing a complete material list, including all formwork, fasteners and concrete.
Groups:
You will choose your own groups at the beginning of class on Monday, March 19. Groups will be comprised of 4 or 5 members. Each group shall designate a leader. Each group shall also choose one or two members that are charged with pre-construction services, who can immediately begin constructing the SketchUp model. Send (not later than noon on March 19) a listing of members ant titles to Professor Williams and Richard Allen.
Presentation of Pre-Construction Activities:
You will present your Sketch-Up drawings to the owners representative, Professor Bruce Smith, on Friday, March 23, in room 303 at 9:00 a.m. The presentation should last 20 minutes, and may include a 10 minute question and answer session.
Grading Criteria for Pre-Construction Presentation:
50% successful completion of all requirements
20% quality of drawings
20% quality of presentation
10% accuracy and completeness of material takeoff
____________________
10% extra credit possible
This grade for this presentation will be distributed equally to all students in the class, and will account for 20% of the entire grade for the project, so choose your group’s representative carefully.
Steve Williams
Thursday, March 22, 2012: President
Steve Williams Steve Williams to Employees
1. Professors Burt, Smith and Kramer will attend class tomorrow. They will assume the role of critical, grumpy owners. Be sensitive to their comments, but don’t let your feelings get hurt. Professor Williams will assume the role of president of the company of which you are an employee. Professor Williams will not participate in the presentation unless he has to.
2. Someone needs to make sure all the projection equipment is working correctly, and that all digital images are pre-loaded. It would be a disaster if you cannot show the owners what you plan to do.
3. It would be good if the project managers are involved in the development of the presentation. They don't have to present, but they should be involved in the development.
4. As we mentioned in class, it is important, when developing your presentation, to ask yourself what the owners would want to see. They (obviously) have not provided you a list of what they want. The project managers will be ultimately responsible for the content.
5. One of the problems young people have (not just in college, but early in your career) is how to establish credibility. You can use your Sketch-Up model to establish credibility by demonstrating that you have considered all variables.
6. The concrete superintendents should expect to answer questions. I expect the superintendents to reinforce the class goal that everyone learns how to do everything. This concept can be at odds with the goal of high quality, but you will have to consider it as a challenge to overcome.
7. The materials list and cost estimate, while not absolutely necessary tomorrow, would be a nice touch. They need to be neat, clear and easy to understand.
8. Consider not handing out paper material in advance. Your audience will look at the handout, and not pay attention to your message. Handout the backup material at the end of the meeting.
9. Assume the presentation will be about 15 minutes long, with a 10 minute question and answer period.
10. Consider providing the owners with coffee and doughnuts.
11. Consider designating someone to take good notes, and to later publish the notes as meeting minutes.
Good Luck!
Steve Williams
Thursday, March 22, 2012: Project
Manager Andrew Brown to Employees
I’m planning on going to the store to get some muffins or
doughnuts or something and coffee to serve for breakfast for the presentation
tomorrow morning. If you’re going to be up at Gorrie this evening, please come
by in find me (more than likely will be in the IT Office) and if you could donate
a dollar or two towards breakfast, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks!
Andrew Brown
Friday, March 23, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Employees
A couple of ideas for your presentation today.
1. Assume you can get a front discharge truck for the pour.
2. Assume we will use 4000 psi concrete for the pour. The extra cement makes it easier to finish the concrete.
3. Plan on either using curing compound or keeping the slab covered with plastic for 7 days. Both cost money.
4. Do you have money for saw-cutting joints?
5. The maximum distance from the wheel edge of a truck to the discharge point is about 12 feet.
6. Assume you can transport a maximum of 3 cubic feet per wheelbarrow load. 9 trips per yard.
7. Assume we can get all our own hand tools.
8. Have a pour sequence in mind for your presentation today.
Good luck today.
Steve Williams
1. Assume you can get a front discharge truck for the pour.
2. Assume we will use 4000 psi concrete for the pour. The extra cement makes it easier to finish the concrete.
3. Plan on either using curing compound or keeping the slab covered with plastic for 7 days. Both cost money.
4. Do you have money for saw-cutting joints?
5. The maximum distance from the wheel edge of a truck to the discharge point is about 12 feet.
6. Assume you can transport a maximum of 3 cubic feet per wheelbarrow load. 9 trips per yard.
7. Assume we can get all our own hand tools.
8. Have a pour sequence in mind for your presentation today.
Good luck today.
Steve Williams
Friday, March 23, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Employees
General Observations:
1. Professors Burt, Kramer, and Smith were asked to play the role of the tough owner. The format was intentionally devised to make you feel anxious, like you might actually feel in meetings in the early part of your career. Most, but not all, of the recommendations they made should be implemented. If a recommendation is not implemented, there should be a written explanation.
2. You did a good job, especially given the time constraints (first knowledge was Monday), and the fact that you were all out of town all day Thursday.
3. You were not given sufficient time or information to properly prepare for the meeting. Welcome to the wonderful world of construction.
4. You were given feedback from me and from the owners that was contradictory and confusing.
5. Optimizing the performance of 20 people is very difficult. People who are able to organize large groups to perform efficiently (think SEC level coaches) often earn large salaries.
6. As young, generally inexperienced individuals, your credibility was questioned. That is going to happen frequently during the next 5 years of your career, and you need to expect to have both your knowledge and competency be challenged.
7. Your reactions to the owner’s suggestions were sometimes inappropriate.
8. There seems to be confusion regarding the slope of the slab.
9. Max Shoemaker, as chief estimator, will have to work hard to satisfy the owners.
10. Who do you have in charge of procurement? Do we need a single purchasing agent?
11. No one ever explained to the owners that all 20 of you had been assigned responsibilities. You might have simplified the presentation and enhanced your credibility if you had done so.
12. Your presentation had essentially no introduction.
13. The owners were most concerned with quality and safety. You had not thought about how quality might be measured and assessed, but you will have to now. As with credibility, this issue (quality of product delivered) will consume a considerable amount of you time over the next 5 years.
14. You are enrolled in a construction management program. This problem is as much about management as it is about concrete.
Assignment for Monday:
Write a one or two page memo addressed to your company president. Use standard business memo format, and bring a paper copy to class. Grammar and punctuation are important. Use headings and short paragraphs. You are expected to work independently on the memo.
The purpose of the memo is threefold.
1. Document how the discussion on Friday affected your particular job assignment.
2. Provide your assessment of the three biggest challenges to the successful completion of the job
3. List the next four activities that need to be completed.
Sunday, March 25, 2012: Owner
Bruce Smith to Employees
A couple of thoughts I had this afternoon.
It might be good to have two estimates. One would show the owner the cost for them with a line item for overhead as Prof Kramer pointed out. The other would be the overhead, which would include all the tools and job OH costs. This would be the cost the PM would present to the GC as their plan of construction. The owner wanted a slab. The owner wants to pay for the slab. Some of the Job OH costs are for the benefit of the GC and other to owner.
For example. The cost of the excavation of the hill and the extra gravel may or may not benefit the owner. We need to go to the site and see about the excavation as to whether it is what the owner will want. If they knock down the hill, are they going to put it back? Can it be done without making the site all flat with a gravel path?
One of the questions that they may need to look at is how far is it from the front tires to the end of the chute. This is important on both ends of the slab. They had the drawing, but may need to have the chute length to get a radius on the drawing similar to shat we do for a crane radius in site planning. This way they will know where the truck can place concrete and how much will need to be wheel barrowed. We will need a second wheel barrow. The owner would be reluctant to pay for the excavation when it is not necessary. If it is necessary, they will need to show the owner that the cost should be paid by the owner. We need to build a coffer dam to put in a bridge pier, and it is part of the cost.
Just some thoughts.
It might be good to have two estimates. One would show the owner the cost for them with a line item for overhead as Prof Kramer pointed out. The other would be the overhead, which would include all the tools and job OH costs. This would be the cost the PM would present to the GC as their plan of construction. The owner wanted a slab. The owner wants to pay for the slab. Some of the Job OH costs are for the benefit of the GC and other to owner.
For example. The cost of the excavation of the hill and the extra gravel may or may not benefit the owner. We need to go to the site and see about the excavation as to whether it is what the owner will want. If they knock down the hill, are they going to put it back? Can it be done without making the site all flat with a gravel path?
One of the questions that they may need to look at is how far is it from the front tires to the end of the chute. This is important on both ends of the slab. They had the drawing, but may need to have the chute length to get a radius on the drawing similar to shat we do for a crane radius in site planning. This way they will know where the truck can place concrete and how much will need to be wheel barrowed. We will need a second wheel barrow. The owner would be reluctant to pay for the excavation when it is not necessary. If it is necessary, they will need to show the owner that the cost should be paid by the owner. We need to build a coffer dam to put in a bridge pier, and it is part of the cost.
Just some thoughts.
Monday, March 26, 2012: Project Manager Andrew Brown to Employees
Hi everyone,
Monica, Jessica, Adrienne and I (as project managers) have gone
through the items Prof. Williams has discussed and we have come up with this
list of items that need to be addressed. Please read everything even if
it doesn’t pertain to you.
Estimate
Max, let me know what you need in order to make the estimate
work (people, information on tools, equipment, etc.) Let me know who is working
with you on this as well please. Make sure we have two separate estimates to
present, including one with what this would cost if we had to purchase
everything and one that shows what we are actually going to need to buy. Also,
include a small estimate for the mock-up. Assume that we will do a 10’x10’ pad
for the mock-up.
On a separate note about the prices: I have been informed by
Prof. Williams that a concrete slab assembly typically costs around $2 a square
foot ($1.25 for the concrete alone, $.75 for rebar, ties, formwork, etc.) and a
truck can carry 22 yards of gravel @ $650 per load, so use this information for
reference in your estimate.
Procurement (purchasing)
For now, I will handle procurement. Since I have an
understanding of how the process works and a working relationship with the
office staff, I feel this will be the easiest thing to do.
Cleaning up the shared folder
George, If you could look into cleaning this up, I don’t
believe there will be much to do. There are many files and multiple folders for
basically the same projects and/or groups. Don’t delete anything, let’s just
make it easier to navigate. Let me know if you need any help with that and I’ll
work with you.
Research on the slab quality
Mitchel: Since you are in charge of quality, make sure you
have researched enough that you can discuss with the owners to help them feel
better about the quality. I feel that this was their main concern so if we have
someone to speak that knows what they are talking about, I think things will go
much better at the next meeting. The flatness of the slab and quality of the
concrete need to be addressed. Mention that there is no set test, but we can
perform a slump test and fill cylinders to be sent out for testing at the
owner’s request.
Taylor: Since you are in charge of layout, make sure you
know what we need to do to get the layout perfect. The slope of the slab will
need to be addressed. This will be key to quality because if the layout isn’t
right, our slab won’t be right.
Formwork guys (Nick and Cameron): get with each other and
make sure you know what we needs to be done in order to make the best formwork
possible. Mention how the use of metal stakes will be used to keep the formwork
strait. Same thing as the layout, if our formwork isn’t good, our slab won’t be
good.
Superintendents (Michael and Brandon) and PM’s (Monica,
Jessica, and Andy): Make sure you know all the aspects that make a good quality
slab so that you can better oversee the construction and know what to look for.
A major problem is how do you define what “good quality” concrete is. I would
recommend you find a sample and take a picture of it to submit to me (concrete
outside of Gorrie is a good example).
Terry: If you could do some research on curing, sealing,
and cutting this would be very helpful. Research with Prof. Williams and
outside sources on the best practices. He has recommended that spraying curing
compound will be best.
Safety
Tommy, make sure we have a great safety plan. Since one of
our owners is THE safety guy for BSCI, this will be much more important than we
originally thought. I would suggest getting with Prof. Smith and seeing what he
feels we need to do that wasn’t covered in the original plan. Make sure we have
a way to locate the site from the street (maybe make a sign). Also double check
on proper signaling techniques.
Assembling the memo for tomorrow
Adrienne will be in charge assembling the memo to submit
tomorrow. I will help her with that and make sure it sounds professional to
submit to the owners. All she will need to do is ASSEMBLE, so make sure that
everyone sends what they are asked to work on so Adrienne is not having to
write the memo on her own.
Sketch-up model:
Alex and Derek, make sure the slope has been corrected on
the model (verify with Prof. Smith and report back to me on what he says
please). Also, go back and cut those 2x12’s down to where the formwork is a
rectangle.
Tools
Joseph, I think the list Prof. Williams gave you is a good
place to start. Get with Max and verify everything that is listed in the
estimate is also on the list of tools and vice versa. We need a list of all
tools, equipment, and materials needed for this project and a quantity associated
with them. Have Jordan help with the materials since he is in charge of
materials management. This is a list that Joseph, Max, and Jordan need to work
on and submit to me. After I have this, I will send it to the students so that
they can check off if they have any of this equipment so we can get a count of
what we will need to purchase or rent. I will need this tomorrow so I can
submit what we need to the owners.
Schedule
Whitney, start working on creating a schedule. Even though
we don’t have exact dates or times yet, start making a simple schedule that we
can modify later. I have set up a poll for everyone to fill out. Once I have
the results of that and know when the best time is for everyone, we can work on
the schedule.
Presentation (date pending)
Spencer, we will need to rework the presentation when we
present again. Once we have everything figured out, we will need to give you
all the information so you can work on it. Verify with Prof. Smith on what day
we are meeting again (Friday was discussed, but nothing was set in stone) and
report this back to me as well please.
Superintendents
Redo the site plan to add an area to wash off the concrete
trucks. Verify the current water location on the site.
Everyone please start working on your part tonight and have
something to send to me by NOON on Tuesday. I am looking for the
researchers to send me a paragraph or two on what they find out, along with any
references used. For those that are modifying existing work, please send that
to me as well. This memo is going to need to be very detailed and cover
everything that we have discussed in class. Make sure to look over the video of
the presentation Friday and the packet handed out in class today to verify you
cover everything. I have also attached notes that were taken in class that
highlight most of what was covered in the presentation Friday.
Please follow this link: http://www.doodle.com/rduhbxbd44kq8u3q and complete the
survey by the end of the day. Please enter your name and select all times that
you will be available for. To see all times, select “Show all 126 options”.
If anyone needs me go out to the site with them to explain
or show anything, please let me know ASAP. It would also be very helpful for us
(PM’s) if we could have everyone’s phone number. If I don’t already have yours,
please send it to me.
As I’m sure you all know this is a very complex project, we
have a short timeline, and everyone plays an important role in obtaining a
successful completion. I also hope it is a fun experience for everyone as well.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
Andy Brown
Wednesday, March 28, 2012: Project Manager Andrew Brown to Employees
Please see the attached list of tools and equipment needed
for the project. If you have any of these items, please send me an e-mail with
what you have.
Also, PLEASE fill out the survey on times you are
available to be on site listed on the previous e-mail if you haven’t done so
already. If you need the link again, here it is: http://www.doodle.com/rduhbxbd44kq8u3q
Thanks,
Andy Brown
Wednesday, March 28, 2012: Project Manager Adrienne Walley to Owners
All:
Please see the attached memo.
Thanks,
Adrienne Walley
Thursday, March 29, 2012: Owner Dr. Richard Burt to Adrienne Walley
Adrienne,
Thank you so much for keeping me updated on the progress
toward laying the concrete slab at the field laboratory during the week
commencing April 2. In response to issues raised in you memo, I have the
following comments:
Dates of the Mock-up & Final Pour
Could you please let Coleena Burt know the time and date of
when you plan to pour the slab. She is the photographer for the school and
would like to get some images of this event for use at the upcoming banquet. I
have copied her on this email so you have her contact details.
Procurement
Has Andrew Brown met with Carolyn Smith our chief
administrator to determining the correct procedure for procuring materials?
Quality Control
Have you determined your target slump for the concrete? Do
you determined an acceptable range for the slump you will measure when the
concrete is delivered. Have you determined the specifications for the concrete
that you will send to the supplier?
Due to other commitments I will be unable to attend Friday's
meeting but intend to visit the site during the concrete pour.
Dr. Richard Burt
Thursday, March 29, 2012: Project
Manager Adrienne Walley to Owner Dr. Richard Burt
Dr. Burt,
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly. In response to
your comments, this is what we have come up with so far:
Dates of the Mock-Up & Final Pour
We hope to confirm a date for the actual pour in tomorrow's
meeting; once we finalize a date, I will contact Coleena Burt with the details.
Procurement
Andrew Brown has met with Carolyn Smith to determine the
correct procedure for procuring materials.
Quality Control
We will use 4000 psi concrete with a target slump of
4". We will use the mix design recommended by the concrete company for
slab on grade.
All details will be clarified tomorrow morning. We look
forward to seeing you on the job site.
Adrienne Walley
Friday, March 30, 2012: Project
Manager Monica Cifuentes to Employees
BSCI 3450 Class:
If you have already completed the time slot survey for the
times you are avaiable and the equpiment and tools count spreadsheet you can
ignore this email. If not please complete the TWO surveys by this AFTERNOON BY
5:00 P.M. as we are trying to finalize everything due to time constraits.
Survey for time slots:
Use the following link to edit or delete your poll for
"Concrete Pour Schedule":
http://www.doodle.com/rduhbxbd44kq8u3qaryivmai/admin
http://www.doodle.com/rduhbxbd44kq8u3qaryivmai/admin
Then see the attachment for equipment and tools spreadsheet.
Monica Cifuentes
Friday, March 30, 2012: Project
Manager Adrienne Walley to President Steve Williams
Good Evening Professor Williams,
I'm attaching a link to the blog. If you could look at it
and give me feedback and suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. I still have to
upload pictures and write a post about today's presentation. Also, I emailed
Alex Gandy to see if he could put captions under all the Sketch-Up photos.
Adrienne Walley
Saturday, March 31, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Project Managers
I hope you all are having a good weekend. I wanted to jot
you a few notes while I was thinking about them.
1. Richard Burt would like to have someone do a time-lapse
photo montage of formwork and of pour….then look at how to improve next time.
2. Can we co-ordinate the tool list on the blog? Have
Gazaway mange it? I can ask him if you wish.
3. Can we publish estimate on the blog?
4. I borrowed several hundred dollars’ worth of steel stakes
from my friend…I did too make sure I get them back…I also need a “starting
count”.
5. Can we talk Monday about how to make sure all students
are participating? – I seek your counsel on this one.
6. I really like the blog idea –does Adrienne need someone to
help her manage it?
7. Can we have someone designated to do slump and cylinder
tests? Jordan Littlepage?
8. How soon can we formalize final schedule….what about long
range forecasts – Whitney Banks
9. The four of you need to make sure I understand your concerns
and worries. I can step in whenever needed, but would prefer to let you manage.
10. High probability of showing this to Industry Advisory
Council….I want to make sure the experience is good for maximum number of
students.
11. It is important for the four of you to delegate…you will
not be able to do it all.
See you Monday,
Steve Williams
Saturday, March 31, 2012: Andrew
Brown to President Steve Williams & Project Managers
In response to your email:
1. Richard Burt would like to have someone do a time-lapse
photo montage of formwork and of pour….then look at how to improve next time.
I was thinking of maybe setting up a
video camera inside the trailer pointing out one of the windows and just have
it run all the time and then we can edit it later. I think having a video would
look better and easier than having still images every so often. Just my
opinion.
2. Can we co-ordinate the tool list on the blog? Have
Gazaway mange it? I can ask him if you wish.
I think that will be pretty simple;
just cut and paste a list on the blog. Not sure what needs to be managed with
it?
3. Can we publish estimate on the blog?
Should be another simple copy and
paste
4. I borrowed several hundred dollars’ worth of steel stakes
from my friend…I did too make sure I get them back…I also need a “starting
count”.
Are these the metal stakes sitting
in a white paint bucket right by the door?
5. Can we talk Monday about how to make sure all students
are participating? – I seek your counsel on this one.
We can discuss this Monday. I think
we should have some kind of incentives put in place… Right now we have about
half the class who is genuinely interested and actively helping, and I think
then the rest is just going along for the ride thinking everyone is going to
get a good grade so why should I put much effort into it…
6. I really like the blog idea –does Adrienne need someone
to help her manage it?
Let me know what you think Adrienne.
You have been doing a great job with it but I know you have been doing quite a
lot of other things as well (including kind of taking on the role as assistant
project manager.) Depending on how much you think will need to be done either I
can help you with or we can assign someone else to help you.
7. Can we have someone designated to do slump and cylinder
tests? Jordan Littlepage?
I think we should assign Jordan. He
seems to be on top of this.
8. How soon can we formalize final schedule….what about long
range forecasts – Whitney Banks
This is something we need to discuss
with you. Me and Monica have spoken today and went out to the site and we have
a few things we need to go over with you with the short time schedule we have.
9. The four of you need to make sure I understand your
concerns and worries. I can step in whenever needed, but would prefer to let
you manage.
We are only waiting on 4 people to
complete the survey on when they can help but we are still waiting on 3/4 of
the class to send a tools list. I’m guessing most people are hesitant to loan
their own tools, as I am too. Maybe this is something you (Prof. Williams)
should send out an e-mail about. Wait for Monica’s input as she has been
handling this since my absence.
See you Monday,
Andrew Brown
Sunday, April 1, 2012: Adrienne Walley to President Steve Williams & Project
Managers
In response to your questions, here are my thoughts:
1. Richard Burt would like to have someone do a time-lapse
photo montage of formwork and of pour….then look at how to improve next time.
I think photos and videos would be
great, we could either do a photomontage and then a separate video of the
entire process, or we could combine the two. This is up to Dr. Burt though. A
video would be cool because we could include interviews in it.
I like the idea of setting up a
camera to have at all times though.
2. Can we co-ordinate the tool list on the blog? Have
Gazaway mange it? I can ask him if you wish.
Do we have all the tools accounted
for and the excel sheet filled out completely? If so, we just need to publish
it on the blog. If it isn’t, we could probably figure out some way to have it
so people can add their names via the blog or some sort of link.
3. Can we publish estimate on the blog?
The estimate is published on the
blog in a link, please check it out to make sure you can see the excel sheet
when you click on it. I’ve also published the memo, presentation, and safety
plan.
5. Can we talk Monday about how to make sure all students
are participating? – I seek your counsel on this one.
As far as student participation
goes, if the students think they don’t have to do anything to earn a good
grade, some of them will to the bare minimum. I think requiring each student to
do something would force participation; this could consist of being on the
jobsite, putting daily postings on the blog, interviewing people, manual labor,
etc.
6. I really like the blog idea –does Adrienne need someone
to help her manage it?
The blog is coming along great! I
think I just need help with the daily postings. For example, I’m not as
knowledgeable about the actual concrete pour as Branden Reagin is. People could
even email me some sort of outline or draft about each day, and then I could
post it on the blog; this would make the writing style uniform.
There’s a tab for research on the
blog, so I need all the research anybody did up to this point.
8. How soon can we formalize final schedule….what about long
range forecasts – Whitney Banks
Do we have a final date set for the
actual pour? We need to make sure the class realizes how important it is that
the slab is finished by the date the Industry Advisory Council comes.
9. The four of you need to make sure I understand your
concerns and worries. I can step in whenever needed, but would prefer to let
you manage.
I’ve spoken with a few people who
haven’t filled out the tools list, and the reason they haven’t is because they
legitimately do not have tools. (I’m one of these people.)
Thanks,
Adrienne Walley
Sunday, April 1, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Project Managers
Project Managers,
Here is an idea to motivate those students that may not be
contributing.
What about student time cards? The idea would come from me.
I expect a minimum of 20 hours per student.
Steve Williams
Sunday, April 1, 2012: Project Manager Andrew Brown to Employees
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to give you all a heads up that we will be
starting on the formwork for the slab tomorrow afternoon after Olsen's PC class
(around 11:30) until 5 or so. If you signed up on the survey that you would be
able to come, we will be expecting you. If you signed up for this time and
can't make it, please let us know. Plan on bringing any tools you have to use
on site.
For the few that still haven't completed the survey or the
tools list, please fill those out and send your tools list to Monica.
Thanks everyone,
Andy Brown
Sunday, April 1, 2012: Project Manager Monica Cifuentes to Employees
BSCI 3450 Class:
As for the equipment and tools list, I have heard that some of you have not responded due to not having the items listed. However, I would assume everyone has a hard hat or safety glasses maybe even gloves, please respond to the survey and spreadsheet by today no later than 8:00 P.M. as this is the final call.
Monica Cifuentes
As for the equipment and tools list, I have heard that some of you have not responded due to not having the items listed. However, I would assume everyone has a hard hat or safety glasses maybe even gloves, please respond to the survey and spreadsheet by today no later than 8:00 P.M. as this is the final call.
Monica Cifuentes
Monday, April 2, 2012: President Steve Williams to Employees
BSCI Construction Employees,
I visited the site of our slab construction on Monday, April 02, 2012 from 4:00-4:40 p.m. Approximately ten students were still hard at work. I was impressed by both the quality and amount of work in place. Your work ethic and attention to detail reflects well on our company.
I have two issues of concern:
1. I noticed that we have deviated slightly from our published safety plan. I am not opposed to such deviations, but any modification in our plan needs to be approved (in writing) by our owner’s representative, Bruce Smith. Unless I receive such documentation, I expect the safety plan to be followed in the future.
2. We discovered a slight discrepancy in the length of the two slab diagonal distances. I see us as having two options. We can either correct the error or we can ask the owner for a written waiver.
I look forward to your response.
Steve Williams
I visited the site of our slab construction on Monday, April 02, 2012 from 4:00-4:40 p.m. Approximately ten students were still hard at work. I was impressed by both the quality and amount of work in place. Your work ethic and attention to detail reflects well on our company.
I have two issues of concern:
1. I noticed that we have deviated slightly from our published safety plan. I am not opposed to such deviations, but any modification in our plan needs to be approved (in writing) by our owner’s representative, Bruce Smith. Unless I receive such documentation, I expect the safety plan to be followed in the future.
2. We discovered a slight discrepancy in the length of the two slab diagonal distances. I see us as having two options. We can either correct the error or we can ask the owner for a written waiver.
I look forward to your response.
Steve Williams
Tuesday, April 3, 2012: President Steve Williams to Employees
BSCI Construction Employees,
I plan to visit the site today at 11:00 a.m. I am very encouraged by what you have achieved to date.
To make my visit efficient, I would like to meet with the following personnel beginning at 11:00 a.m.
1. The person(s) in charge of rebar cutting and placement
2. The person(s) in charge of formwork
3. The person(s) in charge of grading the pour strips
4. The on-site project managers
I expect each meeting to take between 5 and 10 minutes. I look forward to speaking with you.
Steve Williams
I plan to visit the site today at 11:00 a.m. I am very encouraged by what you have achieved to date.
To make my visit efficient, I would like to meet with the following personnel beginning at 11:00 a.m.
1. The person(s) in charge of rebar cutting and placement
2. The person(s) in charge of formwork
3. The person(s) in charge of grading the pour strips
4. The on-site project managers
I expect each meeting to take between 5 and 10 minutes. I look forward to speaking with you.
Steve Williams
Tuesday, April 3, 2012: Project Manager Adrienne Walley to Employees
Good Morning,
I need EVERY single person who was on the job site yesterday
to email me a brief summary of what you did or learned, and a picture or video.
This needs to be done before NOON today. If texting me would be easier, that
works as well, (678) 357-8870.
Thanks so much,
Adrienne Walley
Tuesday, April 3, 2012: Andrew Brown to President Steve Williams & Project
Managers
Wanted to go ahead and give everyone a heads-up that we may
not be able to pour next Monday. I talked to Jordan Littlepage this afternoon
and he called the concrete company and they are unsure if they will be able to
get us concrete that quickly. He told me they should have a better idea by
Friday afternoon. I have also spoken with Adrienne about us going to film at
the concrete plant this Friday morning before class. When Jordan talked to the
concrete company he said we were welcome to come film anytime. He also said we
could sit down some time with them and talk about the quality and
specifications of the concrete, possibly when we go Friday Morning.
Andy Brown
Wednesday, April 4, 2012: President Steve Williams to Project Managers
Project Management Team,
First of all, I want to complement all of you on the
exceptional job you have done to date. You should be very proud of what you
have accomplished. Here are a couple of items to consider for the remainder of
our work:
1. I would like your assurance that the remaining two cages
of reinforcing steel will be assembled outside the forms and moved into the
forms.
2. The rebar chairs that we have in place may not work
properly. It is important that the top of the reinforcing bars be about 1.5
inches below the top of the slab. Be thinking about a possible solution for
this.
3. I have some concerns about the concrete supplier. I would
feel more comfortable if one of you were in constant contact with Jordan
Littlepage regarding the availability of the concrete at the times we need it.
4. Can you let me know how often the blog is updated? I
would like to share it with all BSCI faculty if that is okay?
Thanks for all you do and all you have done,
Steve Williams
Wednesday, April 4, 2012: Jessica Wolfe to President Steve Williams & Project
Managers
Additional notes for Professor Williams & PMs:
When Monica and I were on site this afternoon Jordan explained the concrete situation. He informed us that he was waiting to hear back from another company as well. I will check in with him tomorrow about the back up. Yes, project managers will meet tomorrow right after safety to confirm the pour dates. Jordan should also join.
Adrienne, I have a few notes/suggestions regarding the blog as well. We can talk when we all meet tomorrow. In all, it looks great! Also, if you need any help maintaining it I am happy to do so. I can't get out to the site every single day so if you need assistance I could pitch in to kind of balance the work load.
Professor Williams, I think sharing the blog is a great thing. As I understand, it is updated every time we work on the project, whether it's a presentation or such in the classroom, or on site... so almost everyday. (Adrienne, please correct me if I'm wrong.) Also, the rebar cages will be formed outside the forms and then placed in. The project manager on site at the time should take pictures of this process.
Andy's suggestion regarding the camera in the trailer was a great one that we should follow up with. I know the CADC Library has cameras available to checkout. I think they have to be renewed every couple of days or so. I can check into this tomorrow because we want it set up as soon as possible to get most of the construction process.
Jessica Wolfe
When Monica and I were on site this afternoon Jordan explained the concrete situation. He informed us that he was waiting to hear back from another company as well. I will check in with him tomorrow about the back up. Yes, project managers will meet tomorrow right after safety to confirm the pour dates. Jordan should also join.
Adrienne, I have a few notes/suggestions regarding the blog as well. We can talk when we all meet tomorrow. In all, it looks great! Also, if you need any help maintaining it I am happy to do so. I can't get out to the site every single day so if you need assistance I could pitch in to kind of balance the work load.
Professor Williams, I think sharing the blog is a great thing. As I understand, it is updated every time we work on the project, whether it's a presentation or such in the classroom, or on site... so almost everyday. (Adrienne, please correct me if I'm wrong.) Also, the rebar cages will be formed outside the forms and then placed in. The project manager on site at the time should take pictures of this process.
Andy's suggestion regarding the camera in the trailer was a great one that we should follow up with. I know the CADC Library has cameras available to checkout. I think they have to be renewed every couple of days or so. I can check into this tomorrow because we want it set up as soon as possible to get most of the construction process.
Jessica Wolfe
Thursday, April 5, 2012: President Steve Williams to Employees
Employees:
I toured the job site on Wednesday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. I am very impressed by your accomplishments to date.
I do have two specific concerns that I want to be addressed before work commences today:
1. Despite what I feel were clear instructions in class on Wednesday, the re-bar cages were assembled inside the forms. Consequently, I will be more specific. The remaining cages are to be constructed outside the forms. In addition, during construction of the cages, I want the bars to be safely suspended and tied at a height of 24 – 36 inches above the ground, and then moved into either a storage location, or into the slab forms. The cages should be constructed in such a manner that there is a full rectangle of bars not more than 6 inches away from the formwork edges in all directions when the bars are placed into the slab. I expect to see photographic and video documentation of this process.
2. We have apparently decided not to follow our own safety plan. The photographic records of your work will conceivably be viewed by people all over the world, but will certainly be viewed by our industry advisory council members and other university employees that are profoundly concerned with safety. I realize the work we are doing is not inherently dangerous, but I do expect our safety manager and our project managers to ensure that we follow the plan that we have developed. I also expect each individual to read and follow the safety plan.
If you need further clarification of explanation of either of these two points, please see me in my office.
Steve Williams
I toured the job site on Wednesday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. I am very impressed by your accomplishments to date.
I do have two specific concerns that I want to be addressed before work commences today:
1. Despite what I feel were clear instructions in class on Wednesday, the re-bar cages were assembled inside the forms. Consequently, I will be more specific. The remaining cages are to be constructed outside the forms. In addition, during construction of the cages, I want the bars to be safely suspended and tied at a height of 24 – 36 inches above the ground, and then moved into either a storage location, or into the slab forms. The cages should be constructed in such a manner that there is a full rectangle of bars not more than 6 inches away from the formwork edges in all directions when the bars are placed into the slab. I expect to see photographic and video documentation of this process.
2. We have apparently decided not to follow our own safety plan. The photographic records of your work will conceivably be viewed by people all over the world, but will certainly be viewed by our industry advisory council members and other university employees that are profoundly concerned with safety. I realize the work we are doing is not inherently dangerous, but I do expect our safety manager and our project managers to ensure that we follow the plan that we have developed. I also expect each individual to read and follow the safety plan.
If you need further clarification of explanation of either of these two points, please see me in my office.
Steve Williams
Friday, April 6, 2012: Adrienne Walley to President Steve Williams & Project
Managers
More thoughts on the blog:
I wasn’t on site at all on Wednesday, so the details below
are the only details I’ve received from people:
“Today consisted mainly of lots of site grading the 3-10’
strips. We used rakes and shovels to loosen and remove the soil, and then
screeded the base using a 2x4 to try to create a consistent elevation.
Once the site grading was complete, we focused on the rebar
cages. Four of the six cages were built, and turndowns were dug.”
Project Managers, if you could add in details where needed,
I would really appreciate it. I’ve also attached the only two pictures I have
from that day as well. I think Joseph Gazaway has more, maybe we could get
those from him.
Also, I was thinking we should post details about the
concrete, who we are getting it from, etc., on Thursday’s post. We can mention
that Thursday was rained out, but that we are reconvening Sunday afternoon to
prep for Tuesday’s pour. I was going to say something along the lines of:
“Due to more thunderstorms, work today was cancelled. We
will reconvene on Sunday afternoon to finish up the two-rebar cages and the
middle section of the sub grade.
If things work out accordingly, our first pour day is
scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, April 10th.”
We can go into more detail about Jordan Littlepage and the
concrete as well. I’m going to the site now to take pictures, and can post that
either to Thursday’s post, or create a new one for Friday.
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much,
Adrienne Walley
Saturday, April 7, 2012: Monica Cifuentes to Adrienne Walley
Adrienne,
All sounds well and you are doing a great job with this all.
Your correct Joseph Gazaway has more pictures and I believe some videos. As for
the post in regards to Wednesday, I would say something along the lines that
the exterior sides of the slab were completely graded for the sub base and that
the reinforceing was installed allowing for it it to be ready to go on pour
day. Four rebar cages were installed each being 10' by 20' having horizontal
rebar placement every 2' and rebar chairs every 5'. The rebar was tied together
with twist knot ties.
In regards to thursdays post, the concrete is coming from
Lafarge/Argos it will contain a 4" slump, will be of 4,000 psi, and will
contain an air entrain mixture. I would just add this on to what you were going
to say, cause that sounds great too.
Monica Cifuentes
Saturday, April 8, 2012: Project Managers to Employees
Employees:
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and Happy Easter to all.
Just emailing in regards to this afternoons work times. Were planning on being out there around 3:00 P.M. for a couple of hours to finish up the two rebar cages and the middle sections sub grade. Please contact one of the project managers if you can make or can NOT make it. We have to have documentation in regards to everyones participation and hours.
I know a lot of you are out of town or are busy due to it being Easter. If you could just simply verify weather you will be able to attend or not that would be great as I myself am currently out of town and dont want to rush back if no one is going to show up.
Also as for our first pour day if everything works out in the morning it will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th in the afternoon. I'll send another email tomorrow to verify this. Keep up the good work!
Andy Brown, Jessica Wolfe, Monica Cifuentes, Adrienne Walley
Project Managers
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and Happy Easter to all.
Just emailing in regards to this afternoons work times. Were planning on being out there around 3:00 P.M. for a couple of hours to finish up the two rebar cages and the middle sections sub grade. Please contact one of the project managers if you can make or can NOT make it. We have to have documentation in regards to everyones participation and hours.
I know a lot of you are out of town or are busy due to it being Easter. If you could just simply verify weather you will be able to attend or not that would be great as I myself am currently out of town and dont want to rush back if no one is going to show up.
Also as for our first pour day if everything works out in the morning it will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th in the afternoon. I'll send another email tomorrow to verify this. Keep up the good work!
Andy Brown, Jessica Wolfe, Monica Cifuentes, Adrienne Walley
Project Managers
Monday, April 9, 2012: Project Managers to Employees
Employees:
Our first pour day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th in the afternoon starting at 2:00 P.M. For those of you who can be there before 2:00 please try and get there BY 1:30 just so were ready to go when the concrete arrives.
Chick-Fil-A party trays (Sandwhich and Fruit - Sweet Tea & Lemonade) will be provided tomorrow afternoon during break session.
Please verify for those who can attend on pour day as soon as possible.
Andy Brown, Jessica Wolfe, Monica Cifuentes, Adrienne Walley
Project Managers
Our first pour day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th in the afternoon starting at 2:00 P.M. For those of you who can be there before 2:00 please try and get there BY 1:30 just so were ready to go when the concrete arrives.
Chick-Fil-A party trays (Sandwhich and Fruit - Sweet Tea & Lemonade) will be provided tomorrow afternoon during break session.
Please verify for those who can attend on pour day as soon as possible.
Andy Brown, Jessica Wolfe, Monica Cifuentes, Adrienne Walley
Project Managers
Monday, April 9, 2012: Jessica Wolfe to Project Managers & President Steve
Williams
Here are my notes for the Pre-Pour meeting we had in class today:
Pre-pour Meeting: Monday, April 9, 2012
·
Three Points To Focus On:
o
Rebar Cages: We will experience tying 2 of the 6
rebar cages at a height between our knees and waist to increase work
efficiency.
o
Cutting Concrete: We will cut the control joints
of the slab with a skill saw as opposed to a walk behind saw. Our main concern
for this project is safety, and we believe that with inexperienced labor a
skill saw is the safest option.
o
Level of Skill: A successful job for us as
students is defined as one in which the most students learn the most
activities; therefore, each student will be participating in every necessary
task on the days of the pour.
·
Specific Labor Duties:
o
2 people screeding with a 2 x 4 outside of the
forms
o
1 person designated to keep top of forms clear
from stones or anything else that may interfere with the screeding process
o
1-2 people inside of forms with concrete rake or
come along (1” of concrete on screed board at all times to avoid the occurrence
of any low spots)
o
1 person observing at ankle level (without
sunglasses) to point out any low spots
o
1-2 people with margin trowels to cut the slice
between the concrete and formwork to push rocks away from forms
o
1 person on bull float right after we screed the
concrete. When pushing outward, keep front end of bull float slightly raised,
but keep as level as possible.
o
2 people behind bull float with hand floats
o
1 person edge the exterior sides of the slab
with an edger. Do not push down too hard.
o
2 people (1 person on each side of the poured
strip) with a float and trowel each. Rest on the float with one hand, hand
trowel in an arc motion with the other hand. (when we are able to walk on slab
without scaring it)
o
1 person with two knee boards, trowel, and float
to hand trowel the middle of the concrete strip where the previous hand trowels
cannot reach.
o
2 people with concrete broom. Broom finish in a
pull motion. (do not push the broom)
o
Additional laborers can make sure walking path
is clear, have needed tools readily available for others who are performing a
specific task, etc.
·
Additional Notes:
o
The front discharge concrete truck is limited to
the radius of the chute. We must pay attention to this and avoid any injuries
that may be cause by the chute of the truck. Each student working within the
forms must be aware of his/her position in relation to the motion of the chute.
o
Wait one day to spray the curing agent.
o
Be sure not to scar the one day old concrete
when pouring the middle strip on the slab. Lay plywood on already poured
concrete if needed.
o
Perhaps tip the concrete driver if satisfied
with service. (this is done in the industry if client is repeatedly satisfied)
o
Constantly keep tools clean. For decent water
pressure, use the concrete truck’s water hose while they are washing out.
Thanks & feel free to add/correct anything if needed.
Jessica Wolfe
Monday, April 9, 2012: Andrew Brown to President Steve Williams
We have all gotten together and assembled a list of items
that we believe we need for the pour tomorrow. We're planning on going this
afternoon to purchase these materials. Let me know if there's anything we've
missed or if you have any other comments in regards to it.
·
Another 2x4x12 for the screed
·
Concrete broom
·
Bull float handles
·
(2) come alongs
·
Garden hose
·
(2) concrete rakes
·
(3) concrete boots
·
(6 gal) cure and seal
·
Garden sprayer
·
Knee pads
·
Diesel spray for formwork
·
Eye glasses (if we can't find enough)
One last thing, do you think we will be out there long
enough that we should rent a light tree tomorrow? Our superintendents think we
will but I wanted your opinion on that.
Thanks,
Andy Brown
Tuesday, April 10, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Employees
A heads up:
The control joints will likely be used as a guide for layout
on future projects like formwork for temp. structures, so it is important that
the 10’ x 10’ grids are as precise as you can make them. Check the diagonals to
make sure the “squares are square” before cutting.
Steve Williams
Tuesday, April 12, 2012: President
Steve Williams to Employees
Employees:
Just got back from the slab….it looks very good. I am proud of what you have accomplished. Here are a few observations:
1. Mitchell and Co. did a good job with the control joints. Congratulations for “daring greatly”, as Mr. Roosevelt would say. You are in the arena.
2. We need to use the say to cut joints between the three slabs. It will make the intersection look very clean and sharp.
3. If you don’t have your 20 hours in, we still need significant help with documentation of the process.
4. We need to make sure the cuts are ¼ of the slab thickness, or at least ¾ inch deep. ACI rec.
5. Look at the blog today. Come to class tomorrow with suggestions for improvement. Blog is important, because that is main thing our Council will see prior to our visit.
6. We have some trash on site.
7. We need to have the site immaculate by Wed….Do we want to leave the downhill side form in place to avoid washout?
8. We need to sweep the concrete dust off of the slab.
9. Be sure to include all emails from me on blog site.
Once again, you did a great job.
Steve Williams
Just got back from the slab….it looks very good. I am proud of what you have accomplished. Here are a few observations:
1. Mitchell and Co. did a good job with the control joints. Congratulations for “daring greatly”, as Mr. Roosevelt would say. You are in the arena.
2. We need to use the say to cut joints between the three slabs. It will make the intersection look very clean and sharp.
3. If you don’t have your 20 hours in, we still need significant help with documentation of the process.
4. We need to make sure the cuts are ¼ of the slab thickness, or at least ¾ inch deep. ACI rec.
5. Look at the blog today. Come to class tomorrow with suggestions for improvement. Blog is important, because that is main thing our Council will see prior to our visit.
6. We have some trash on site.
7. We need to have the site immaculate by Wed….Do we want to leave the downhill side form in place to avoid washout?
8. We need to sweep the concrete dust off of the slab.
9. Be sure to include all emails from me on blog site.
Once again, you did a great job.
Steve Williams
Friday, April 13, 2012: Adrienne Walley to Employees Whitney Banks, Spencer
Pursley, Derek Varnadore, Taylor Payne, & Joseph Clements
Good Morning-
In addition to what I'm
assigning each of you individually, you can also go out to the site today to
help with clean-up.
Individual Assignments are as follows:
- Whitney
Banks: Technique Assessment. We discussed this after class
today, pictures would be nice as well.
- Nick
Clements: Quality Assessment. Write a paragraph about each
aspect of the project and assess the quality, you can use pictures also.
Just go with what he talked about in class today, compare our site and
project to others. Talk about how GOOD the quality was, even though we are
unskilled and inexperienced.
- Taylor
Payne: Write the blog post for Wednesday’s concrete pour. It
needs to be detailed, including things that went well, problems encountered,
and the order of events for that day.
- Spencer
Pursley: Get a certificate of substantial completion from the
owners. (Dr. Burt, Professor Kramer, Professor Smith)
- Derek
Varnadore: Research for the blog, including spacing of control
joints, cure & seal, air entrainment, joint cutting, rebar, and 3000
vs 4000 psi concrete. Try to find short conversational articles that
support what we did on the project (the concrete construction magazine is
perfect for that). You can just email me the links to the articles, it
would be helpful if you highlighted the parts of the article that applied
directly to our pour.
All of ya'll can email me your work and I will post it to
the blog. This must be sent to me no later than 5:00 on Monday, April 16. The
blog has to be completed by Tuesday morning so that we can send a link to the
Industry Advisory Council before their visit at the end of next week.
Thanks so much, the goal of this is to make the blog as
professional and informative as possible. I really appreciate the help, and
don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Adrienne Walley
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